A new research report published in The FASEB Journal (https://www.fasebj.org) will help ophthalmologists and scientists better understand a rare genetic disease that causes increased susceptibility to blue light, night blindness, and decreased vision called Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome or Goldman-Favre Syndrome.

Like a wristwatch that needs to be wound daily for accurate time-telling, the human circadian system â€” the biological cycles that repeat approximately every 24 hours â€” requires daily light exposure to the eyeâ€™s retina to remain synchronized with the solar day. In a new study published in the June issue of Neuroscience Letters, researchers have demonstrated that when it comes to the circadian system, not all light exposure is created equal.

Researchers have discovered that a set of light-responsive retinal cells that form connections to the circadian clock are functional very early in development, from the day of birth. Although the cells are sensitive to light, they do not participate in image formation, a process that matures later on.

Word of the Day

upstander

A person who stands up for something, as contrasted to a bystander who remains inactive.

One of the upright handlebars on a traditional Inuit sled.

The word 'upstander' in the first sense here is a play on the word 'bystander' and the idea of 'standing up' for something.